BAY CITY, MI — Michigan State Police are asking for the public's help in locating a man who they allege attempted to abduct two children during two separate incidents in Bay County.

According to a press release from Lt. Brian Cole, the incidents occurred about 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, and Friday, Aug. 16, on Euclid near East Hotchkiss.

The intersection borders Frankenlust Township.

During the first incident, police say a man in a car approached a young girl walking in the area. The release states he grabbed the girl's boot and, when she started to scream and slapped the man, he retreated.

On Friday, Aug. 16, the man approached a boy, the release states. When the man attempted to discuss taking the boy away from the area, police say the child punched the man and rode away on a bicycle.

"Both children in this incident
responded appropriately in that anytime you can safely fight off any type of
attack, you should attempt to do so," said Cole, in the written statement.

The man police are searching for in connection with the incidents is described as a thin, white male in his late 20s or early 30s with short brown hair. The car he was riding in is described as a black sedan - possibly a Dodge - with a rear spoiler.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Michigan State Police Tri-City Post at 989-495-5555 or the agency's anonymous tipline at 989-495-5567.

Jessica Fleischman is a public safety reporter with MLive/The Saginaw News. Contact her at 989-996-0687, email her at jfleisc2@mlive.com or follow her on Twitter or Facebook.